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About Gold Coast.

Representing the utmost in convenience and elegance, the well-known Gold Coast neighborhood is located just one mile from the Loop with access to magnificent shopping, world-class dining, and a short walk to Oak Street beach and Lake Michigan. High-rise condominiums with rooftop patios overlook Chicago's Gold Coast lakefront. There are also low-rise residential blocks inland that are just a few steps away from Chicago's Magnificent Mile, where you will find Macy's at Water Tower Place, Bloomingdale's, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and the John Hancock Center. Some of the most notable celebrities enjoy living in the Gold Coast of Chicago.

Location

Located one and a half miles north of Chicago’s Loop, the Gold Coast offers views of Chicago’s lakefront on its eastern border. The parameters of the Gold Coast are North Avenue to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Chicago Avenue to the south, and Clark Street to the west. The bordering neighborhoods are Streeterville, Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North and Near North, placing the Gold Coast among the hippest areas to live in Chicago.

Information

While Gold Coast is known for its modern shopping district and contemporary residencies, the National Register of Historic Places recognized the neighborhood's historic value and listed it as the "Gold Coast Historic District" in 1978. The Magnificent Mile, ranked in the top 10 hospitality, dining and retail areas in the world, is a fashionista’s dream. Within the Magnificent Mile are more than 50 hotels and more than 100 restaurants. With its population reaching approximately 80,484 in 2010, the Gold Coast has continued to prosper as a unique and fashionable area to call home.

Source: U.S. Census, Record Information Service

History

John Jacob Astor, who is noteworthy for being America’s first millionaire, established the Gold Coast in the Astor Street District. In the 1800s the area’s boundaries were between Astor Street and North Avenue. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it was thought that no one would buy property in this area; however, Potter Palmer was one of the first to do so. He took a swampy area, which is currently Lake Shore Drive, and built the Palmer Mansion. The Palmer Mansion was a castle-like structure designed by Henry Ives Cobb and Charles Sumner Frost. Over the next few decades, many followed his leadership and soon Chicago’s elite migrated to build homes north of the Loop. Once Lake Shore Drive opened between North Avenue and Oak Street, the area become a destination for some of the wealthiest people of all time, including Oprah Winfrey. The Gold Coast quickly became the perfect spot for lakefront properties and scenic rides.

Real Estate

The panoramic views from the high-rise condominiums and apartments of the Gold Coast Chicago Real Estate are breathtaking. With the presence of Navy Pier and Lake Michigan, there are no views comparable.

The style options of Gold Coast real estate are abounding, with high-rise properties, mansions and brownstones all at buyers’ and residents’ fingertips. The area is occupied by a wealth of professionals who take advantage of the ease of city living. Research more Gold Coast real estate here.

Transportation

Known for being chaotic when it comes to parking, there are over two dozen parking structures and lots to combat the excess of vehicles. There are also a number of public transportation options made readily available to residents. TheCTA Red Line has stops at Clark and Division, as well as Chicago and State. You can find more stops on CTA bus routes, including State-29, Michigan Avenue routes, including 151, 145, 147, and 146.

Schools

Although there are only a handful of schools within the boundaries of this neighborhood, the Gold Coast is home to a few of the greats. Below is a comprehensive list of schools and universities within the Gold Coast’s borders:

Nightlife

Nightlife in the Gold Coast upholds a swanky and high-class environment. Having everything within walking distance is one of the many benefits to living in this area. It is one of Chicago's hottest neighborhoods to experience a trendy, fashionable and chic lifestyle.

One of the most popular bars in Chicago is the Signature Room Lounge, which is located at the top of the John Hancock Center. The Chicago skyline view from the bar includes a full 360-degree radius of the entire city. The Signature Lunch Buffet is offered Monday through Saturday; dinner is served every night with the city's finest seafood and steak. The Sunday brunch offers over 60 items, including a carving station and a seafood raw bar.

Looking to dress up and hit the town? The historic Pump Room at the Public Hotel, 1301 N State Parkway, offers a completely revamped restaurant and bar, where you can spot celebrities and mingle with the “old-school meets new-school” set.

Entertainment

The Magnificent Mile has become the main attraction in Chicago for tourists worldwide. Where else can you stumble upon everything you ever need in one mile of walking? With a wide variety of shopping, hotels, entertainment, dining, great architecture and people to choose from, the Magnificent Mile has it all! Known as the “Mag Mile,” this strip was developed in the 1909 Plan of Chicago, which was Daniel Burnham’s historic vision to mix the old world with the new.

For those strictly in the business for a shopping trip, Water Tower Place, located at 845 N. Michigan Avenue, is the place to be. Experience eight levels of shopping, dining, American Girl Place, Macy’s and much more.

Restaurants

Gibson's Bar and Steakhouse, 1028 N Rush Street, (312) 266-8999, offers a fun atmosphere for all ages with light entertainment supplemented with big flavor steaks and wine. It is in the heart of Rush and Division and has become a landmark in the Gold Coast neighborhood.

Ralph Lauren, 115 East Chicago Avenue, (312) 475-1100, is located adjacent to the world’s largest Polo store and offers a large menu featuring everything from seafood to salads. With its business casual atmosphere, you are likely to find stylish professionals mingling over a meal at any time of the day.

An Italian favorite, Café Spiaggia, 980 N Michigan Avenue, (312) 280-2750 has a warm atmosphere with contemporary jazz music that fills the air. The head chef, Tony Mantuano, has given a new meaning to handmade pastas and fine dining.

How does sand between your toes and a drink in your hand sound? Visit Oak Street Beach Food and Drink for an afternoon bite or a sunset dinner. Located right on the beach, you can walk, bike, roller-blade or run right up to a table with a beautiful view of the lakefront. This restaurant is open daily during the warm season from 11am-10pm weekdays and 10am-10pm weekends.

Festivals/Parks

Oak Street Beach is located just a few steps away from the Gold Coast. Right along Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street Beach offers bike trails, grassy areas for picnics, and jogging paths for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Gold Coast Art Fair, held at Grant Park at the corner of Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive, also known as Butler Field, is a huge festival showcasing fine art, music and food. More than 450 artists come from all over the world for this three-day fair that is considered the “grand daddy” of art festivals.